To the D.O.C.K. (Sunday School)

What is the D.O.C.K.?

The D.O.C.K. is a ministry to children. It stands for Disciples Of Christ’s Kingdom. Moses told the Hebrew people in Deuteronomy 11:19, “Teach [scripture] to your children,” and in Luke 18:16 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

How Are Children Grouped?

The children are divided into three groups--Minnows, Starfish, and Dolphins. Generally, the groups are by school age:

How Does it Operate?

We teach the same Bible lesson for three weeks in a row, using different learning formats known as workshops. The children not only learn the Bible lessons for each Sunday, but this helps them remember the stories.

A special celebration occurs periodically for all age groups.

What Are the Teaching Workshops?

Currently we operate three classroom settings. Each of the three classrooms employs one of five learning workshops:

Tackle Tales is where the storytelling and drama workshops operate. We use Bibles that are targeted for children. Children are encouraged to read along or read for the group, depending upon their reading skills. Hand puppets, colorful flannel graph settings, and Bible-time costumes are used to help stimulate the children’s learning experience.

Noah’s Art is where the children have a chance to respond creatively to the story being studied. Rather than assembling pre-designed crafts, the children work with a variety of materials to respond to the gospel message. the products of their creativity are taken home to share with family and to add to the children’s learning experience.

Jonah’s Whale House Theater is where the children gather to watch video clips related to the Bible lesson for the month. The theater with a big-screen television, theater admission tickets, foyer ropes, and fresh popcorn contribute to the fun of learning.

Each workshop area has a worship center where the children get exposed to some of the liturgy from the Sanctuary. It includes a cross, the Bible, and an offering plate.

Who Teaches Our Children?

Rotation Teams

We have several wonderful teams of dedicated teachers, each equipped with unique gifts from God. One individual coordinates the lesson plans for a single teaching team. A team of three teachers signs on for a three-week rotation.

Workshop Teachers

One teacher handles a single workshop, teaching all three age groups in different weeks. The teachers are recruited with the specific workshop in mind where they can employ their special gifts, skills and interest.

Parents

We also encourage parents to contribute to the children’s learning. Ask your children questions about what they are learning. Ask them about the materials they take home from the classroom.

Our Sunday Morning Schedule

9:15-9:30

Teachers meet for a time of prayer prior to classes. Children are met at the entrance to the D.O.C.K. by the Children’s Ministries Director or by the Assistant to the Pastor. Children are given name tags, visitors are enrolled, and attendance is registered.

9:30-9:45

Children of all age groups are taken to the Tackle Tales workshop for a time of singing.

9:45-10:25

Groups of children are taken to the specific workshop area for their age-specific lesson.

10:25-10:30

Children are taken to a common gathering area. This is the outside play area if the weather permits or to the Tackle Tales workshop area at the D.O.C.K.

10:30

Parents pick up their children.